Gilbert Ralph Stern, our wonderful husband and Dad, was 90 when he passed away at home in Anaheim, CA surrounded by his loving family.
He was born in Fullerton California to Herman and Olga Stern and Baptized at Zion Lutheran Church in Anaheim.
His father Herman was a long time resident of Orange County and named the city of Yorba Linda.
Gilbert was a successful college athlete. He played football at Orange Coast College and the University of Arizona at Tuscon. He started at the University of Arizona as center for the Wildcats in what, at that time, was the Border Conference. He graduated from the University of Arizona in 1958 with a Bachelor of Science in Geology and a minor in Math and Chemistry.
After college Gilbert traveled widely for his work as a geologist and as an exploration manager for major oil companies like Atlantic Ritchfield and Union Oil. He did geological field work in Madagascar, Mongolia, Asia, South America, and the Middle East. He also prospected for diamonds in Porto Ordaz, Venezuela in 1964.
Gilbert was an active outdoorsman and enjoyed fishing, hiking, tennis, baseball, and camping. In retirement, he kept busy as a geological consultant.
He was predeceased by his brother, Herman Roger Stern, and his sister, Kathryn Ruth Walters. Gilbert is survived by his loving wife Jean and his son, Hunter.
Graveside service will be held at Loma Vista Memorial Park, 701 E. Bastanchury Road, Fullerton, CA, 92835 on Saturday, March 23, 2024 at 1pm.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to St. Johns Lutheran Church, 154 S. Shaffer St. Orange, CA 92866 – 714-288-4400